VW Plans a Plug-in Hybrid for the U.S.

Volkswagen is trying to make up for lost time, and perhaps lost sales opportunities, when it comes to selling hybrids and electric vehicles in the U.S. According to Automotive News, the German automaker is planning to sell a plug-in hybrid model in the States, beginning sometime in late 2013 – curiously, the same article refers to the car as an "all-electric" version of the Golf. After sorting through the details, it's clear that an electric-powered model and a plug-in hybrid variant of the Golf are currently in the pipeline. U.S. sales should begin late next year, and into 2014 (it remains to be seen whether the electric or plug-in arrives first).

We've already gotten behind the wheel of the 2013 Jetta Hybrid, which goes on sale this fall. During our test drive, we praised the car for being "more fun to drive" than a Toyota Prius – even if the Jetta's combined 45-mpg economy average falls a little short of the Prius' best. Power is provided by a 150-bhp turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder, coupled to a 20-kW (27-hp) electric motor. The Jetta Hybrid proved to be a smooth and efficient operator, and peppier than VW's official 9.0 second 0 to 60 mph time might suggest.

VW's next step is maneuvering the next Golf into the eco-champion spotlight. The plug-in model should have an electric-only driving range of approximately 30 miles, at which time a small-displacement gasoline engine provides additional range. Meanwhile, the Golf EV should be comparable in terms of range and performance to other electrics already on sale. Expect a driving range of roughly 100 miles, and recharging times of 6-8 hours when using a 220-volt outlet. Official pricing and performance specifications will be revealed closer to the plug-in and electric Golf's on-sale date.

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